Earlier this month, publisher Thomas Nelson ceased publication and distribution of David Barton’s controversial book, The Jefferson Lies: Exposing the Myths You’ve Always Believed about Thomas Jefferson, claiming that it had “lost confidence” in the details of the book.

Thomas Nelson’s decision was met with both praise and criticism. Those who felt the book was filled with errors and inaccuracies were pleased to know that it was no longer being sold, while supporters of the book and its author jumped to its defense. Among the defenders was television and radio host Glenn Beck.

Appearing last week (16 August) on Beck’s show, David Barton came to his own defense. Among several claims, he maintained that much of the disputed material within his book could easily be clarified if not for the editing performed by publisher Thomas Nelson. Much of the removed material, Barton argued, contained supporting information for those facts which have been questioned.

It seems rather unsurprising, then, that Barton currently is in negotiations with Mercury Ink, the publishing arm of Glenn Beck’s media corporation, to publish a new, less edited version of the book. Publisher’s Weekly reports:

Barton said the new edition “will not include any substantive changes, but I will rephrase some things to remove any potential confusion.” He also plans to add back some of the content Nelson cut in their editing process, and that in the process of reviewing the accusations made by his critics, “I have actually run across more supporting documents that strengthen my case, not weaken it.” Source

evaluated Barton’s video America’s Godly Heritage and found many of its factual claims dubious, such as a statement that “52 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention were ‘orthodox, evangelical Christians.'” Source

For further insight into the faith of America’s founders, the reader may find it beneficial to listen to Frazer’s 2003 lecture entitled, “America’s Religious, but not Christian, Founders.” As he discusses the political theology of America’s founding, Frazer bases the content of this lecture on his doctoral dissertation and contends that the founders of America may best be described as “theistic rationalists.”

It seems certain that what has come to be known as the “David Barton Controversy” is far from over. At a time when the religious right in America appears to be growing in its tendency and desire to see America “turn back to God,” confusion and inaccurate details surrounding the faith of the founders of this country will only aid in nurturing this patriotic idolatry.